Is When We Are Born Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

When We Are Born, a standout production of 2021, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Music landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into WHEN WE ARE BORN is a unique live performance film that tells a touching and thoroughly human story based in part on Ólafur’s life. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "WHEN WE ARE BORN is a unique live performance film that tells a touching and thoroughly human story based in part on Ólafur’s life. Filmed on location in Iceland in summer 2020, it features the contributions of an unparalleled creative collective including ground-breaking choreographer Erna Ómarsdóttir, the Iceland Dance Company and cinematographer Thor Eliasson. The music in the film builds upon Ólafur’s critically praised new album ‘some kind of peace’ and was performed and recorded live on set, representing a constant cinematic conversation between picture and music. Vincent Moon’s intimate cinematic vision brings this layered metaphorical world to life as we see Ólafur’s music manifested and symbolised all around him through set design, lighting and dance. Through themes of rituals, relationships and exploration of our inner landscapes, this is a film focused on how we all move forward."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Ólafur Arnalds delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Music acting at its most potent.

The direction by Vincent Moon is marked by a steady and professional hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 25 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is When We Are Born truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, When We Are Born explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Vincent Moon respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, When We Are Born is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ólafur Arnalds or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, When We Are Born is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.